Department of Community Development

Rental, Non-Owner and Vacant Housing Inspections

The City of Jackson adopted a comprehensive rental housing inspection program in 1986 that requires all non-owner occupied and vacant residential properties to be inspected on a systematic, city-wide basis. These inspections are conducted to protect the public health, safety and welfare of Jackson residents, while improving housing conditions within the City. Chapter 14 of the Housing Code of the City of Jackson and Act 286 of P.A. 1968 of the State of Michigan govern the inspections, which are conducted by the Department of Community Development. If you have any questions about housing inspections, feel free to contact us.

Inspection Process

  • A letter is sent detailing the scheduled date and time of the inspection.
  • An inspector will meet at the property and record any violations of the Housing Code.
  • (If violations are detected) a Notice of Violation is sent, after which, a letter detailing the scheduled date and time (45 days after initial inspection) of the re-inspection is also sent.
  • If repairs have begun by the time of the re-inspection, and all hazardous violations have been addressed, an extension request can be signed to grant additional time to complete the remaining work.
  • If an extension is filed and granted, the inspector will return again in 45 days for another re-inspection.
  • If all work is completed by the third inspection, an invoice will be sent.
    • No violation on first inspection – No fee
    • Certificate issued for previous compliance within five years of current compliance date – $75
    • Single family structure – $125 minimum
    • Additional units – $10 each
    • Additional inspection attempts – $40 each
  • Otherwise, a request for an extension must be filed with the Building Code Board of Appeals (BCBA).

Building Code Board of Appeals

The BCBA provides the final opportunity to receive an extension for completing repairs to hazardous code violations. To have an appeal for another extension heard, an application must be filed, along with a $25 filing fee, to the BCBA. The Board typically meets on the third Thursday of every month at 1:00 pmon the second floor of City Hall, though individuals are notified of the date and time of their hearing. If an appeal for extension is not granted, a misdemeanor ticket is issued.

Failing to Correct Housing Code Violations

After the entire inspection and extension process, any violations found not to be corrected up to Housing Code specifications will result in a misdemeanor offense. This carries a maximum penalty of $500 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. The judge will also require a re-inspection of the property to verify all repairs have been completed. A re-inspection can be arranged by contacting the Department of Community Development at least 10 days in advance of the desired date.

Tenant Complaints

Tenants may file a complaint through the Department of Community Development. The owner will then be given a copy of the complaint along with 30 days to complete the necessary repairs. If all violations are not completed within the time allotted, the entire property becomes subject to full inspection per Chapter 14 of the Housing Code. Any property found to not have all utilities will be declared unfit for human habitation and the tenant will be ordered to vacate the property until the missing utilities are restored.

Property Sales

A property can be sold without having all Housing Code violations repaired. Once a property is inspected, a seller must have the buyer sign an Affidavit of Disclosure, which can be obtained from the Department of Community Development. The signed affidavit and copy of the sales document must be returned to our office. Once complete, the buyer becomes responsible for all remaining repairs and fees.

Owner-Occupied Property Inspections

Owner-occupied properties are subject to exterior inspection by the City if any one of the following conditions is met:

  • The house contains one or more unit.
  • The property was purchased as an in-place tenant after an inspection had been conducted.
  • The house is also used for rooming or foster care.